Proceeding contribution from Austin Mitchell (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 16 November 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Fixed-term Parliaments Bill.

Fixed-term Parliaments Bill

I agree absolutely, but that argument relates to amendment 11, which seeks four-year terms, whereas I am arguing for more democratic three-year terms, so I must have a more radical argument than the statesmanlike argument that we have just heard. We should all ask ourselves where the five-year period comes from. Where have the Government plucked it from? What is the inspiration behind the Bill? Perhaps we could have some explanation of why a five-year period has been chosen. It was not in the Conservative party manifesto.

Secondary information

Type: Proceeding contribution
Reference: 518 c795-6
Session: 2010-12
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Devolved matters Administration Legislatures General elections Fixed-term parliaments Dissolution Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly National Assembly for Wales Parliament Scotland Wales Scottish Parliament
Legislation: Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 2010-12
Link: View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk

Fixed-term Parliaments Bill

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